22nd January 2008

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People in Northern Ireland are less satisfied with healthcare services than they were a decade ago according to new research released today.

The research, carried out by Dr Ann Marie Gray, Senior Lecturer in Social Administration and Policy, University of Ulster, also reveals concern over waiting times and in-patient services.

‘What difference does a decade make? Satisfaction with the NHS in Northern Ireland in 1996 and 2006’, compares findings of the 2006 survey with data from a 1996 survey to explore changes in attitudes.   

It reveals that the majority of people in Northern Ireland support universal health care but satisfaction levels have declined in relation to some aspects of the service

Some of the main findings of the report include: 

• 42% of people in 2006 were satisfied with the NHS overall compared to 37% a decade ago. 

 

• While satisfaction with specific aspects of the service – such as GP care, NHS dentists and in-patient services - is higher than for the service overall, satisfaction levels have fallen in relation to all of these areas compared to 1996. 

 

• The most significant decline in satisfaction relates to in-patient services, where 54% of people in the 2006 survey said they were satisfied compared to 62% in 1996.  With the exception of GPs, those respondents who had recent contact with the NHS tended to be more satisfied than those who had not. 

 

• Over 70% of people felt that waiting times for out-patient appointments and non-emergency operations are in need of improvement, but satisfaction levels have slightly increased compared to the 1996 figures. 

 

• Support for a universal health service in Northern Ireland remains high with nearly three quarters (73%) of people rejecting the idea that the NHS should only be available to those on lower incomes. Those in the 18 - 24 age group are more likely to favour selective services.

Dr Gray said: “Over a ten year period and despite increased investment, people do not seem to feel that services have significantly improved.  It may be the case that lengthy discussions in Northern Ireland about health care reform and financing and problems with waiting lists in recent years have impacted on attitudes.  It is important also to consider the impact of growing public expectations. The survey findings show that there is a need for further research to explore these issues.”

Dr Gray will discuss these findings at a seminar in Belfast today. The seminar will be held at the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action, Duncairn Gardens at 12 noon and is organised by ARK.   

Full results of all the questions from the 2006 Life and Times Survey are available on the ARK website on www.ark.ac.uk/nilt.

For further information, please contact:

Trina Porter
Telephone: 028 71675511
Email: Trina Porter